Monster Tuba

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edtheorg
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Monster Tuba

Post by edtheorg »

I have a King 6/4 BB 3 valve rotary tuba. The serial number is 212180. I bought it from the original owner who purchased it new in 1940. It has the original cases, mouth piece, and valve oil bottles. The tuba is almost in mint condition as it has a few scratches. I am interested in it's value as it will go up for sale after Tuba Christmas. I live in the Los Angeles area.
edtheorg
SousaSaver
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Re: Monster Tuba

Post by SousaSaver »

Is this close to your horn?
Image

From what I understand about these, they aren't very common. If you really want to sell it, post some pictures and give as many details about the horn as you can. It probably won't last long without being purchased.

Ultimately value is determined by the instruments condition.

(PS - The picture is from Tuba Exchange's excellent historic Tuba collection web site!)
edtheorg
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Re: Monster Tuba

Post by edtheorg »

I am having trouble posting a photo. Mine is similar to the photo posted with the exception of the valves. Mine has 3 and they are string activated. Gotta get tech help from my neighbor.
edtheorg
EdFirth
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Re: Monster Tuba

Post by EdFirth »

The value of these can vary wildly. A friend of mine bought one for over three thousand that was pretty beat then about six months later I got an almost dent free one for two grand. Because they are so old there can be alot of old crappy repair issues that can be expensive to resolve but yours isn't in that category. The market for one as nice as yours would be ,although not limited to,someone with a "collection" and a good day job. From what I understand there were only about 100 BBb's and 17 C's built from the Depression to WW2 so yours would be at the end of the run.On here, with good pictures, might be your best bet since this forum has such a wide readership. Someone like Mike Lynch could probably give you a prety good idea of what they've been going for. He posts on here sometimes.If it plays as well as mine I daresay that you might regret selling it down the road. You can get wonderful upright bells for them from Kanstul and with the false tones these horns have who needs a fourth valve.All the best to you. Ed
The Singing Whale
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